City welcomes home the Ferry Tram

On Sunday 27 September, an old tram that once rattled through South Perth and Como was delivered and installed in its new purpose built tram barn at Windsor Park in South Perth.

Tram B15, a restored B class tram, was built in 1899 and its new home is close to the original tram line.

Trams began operating in South Perth in 1922. They travelled from Perth via Canning Highway around South Perth including Angelo Street and Labouchere Road to Como. In 1926, the route was expanded from Labouchere Road to Mends Street Jetty. This service, was affectionately known as the ferry tram service.

The B15 ferry tram would have travelled regularly over this route from 1926 until 1950 when the service was cancelled, to make way for a bus service.

South Perth Historical Society President Lynn O’Hara said we are excited to see the ferry tram arrive.  The tram was found in a Kelmscott backyard and transported to Whiteman Park before being lovingly restored by volunteers from Perth Electric Tramways Society. Many of the volunteers had travelled on the tram when it was in service.

“Restoration of the ferry tram has been faithfully executed, the roof was in good condition, but other sections had deteriorated and many wooden parts had to be replaced.

“The tram has been built to showcase this remarkable vehicle and complements the heritage buildings of the precinct beside Windsor Park,” Ms O’Hara said.

City of South Perth Mayor Greg Milner said the project is a collaboration between the City, the City of South Perth Historical Society and Perth Electric Tramways Society Inc.

“The City is passionate about conserving our local history, which has a long and interesting past. The ferry tram will provide a glimpse of life that was once commonplace in the area,” Mayor Milner said.

The tram barn has been built from masonry and glazing, with bi-fold doors allowing people to move freely throughout the building and the tram.

The facility will be open to the public from Friday 23 October. For more information on the Local History of South Perth visit southperth.wa.gov.au/localhistory or the South Perth Historical Society via their website southperthhistoricalsociety.org.